Short Story Journey

Under The cherry Blossom Tree

 Angela walked through the garden, passing her roses and lilies she had tended to with great care. From the beautiful crimson hues of the roses, to the snowy hues of the lilies. Phil followed behind with their picnic basket in tow. Age showed on the picnic basket, slight damage but a sense of grace with it. They made it to the middle of the garden where one beautiful cherry blossom tree stood in full bloom, pink petals danced to the ground giving the ground a kiss of pink.

Angela took a seat first crossing her legs under the blossoms. Phil sat beside her leaning his back against the tree. A gentle wind graced their presence making Angela's hair flow with the breeze. She laughed a little as her hair blocked her vision. Phil noticed and smiled calmly as he helped move the hair outta her face. Their eyes locked, her blue to his brown, a few moments passed, and they started to laugh, not being able to take each other seriously.

As they sat there they had sandwiches and wine to pass the time. "So how do you feel hun?" Angela asked, smiling.

Phil tilted his head, returning her smile with a small grin, "what do you mean baby?".

Angela took in a deep breath, letting the smell of blossom cradle her senses, "To do this again? you know we haven't done this in such a long time."

He takes a moment and looks back out to their garden then back at her. "It's... surreal. I... I never thought we would ever experience this again."

She stifled a little laugh. "Oh hun, you knew I would wait for you, I told you in the hospital."

He looks down at his hands, "I know... it's just... I didn't think you would."

She tilts her head and purses her lips a little, in one swift motion she moved towards him and cupped his cheeks. "Well, looks like I proved you wrong yet again mister."

He laughed, "Okay, okay you have, I'll let you win this time." he takes a moment looking to the side, then back to his one true love. "I missed you so much..."

She smiled, "I know baby. I missed you too."

As they sat under the tree a young woman in her mid 20's approached the entrance of the garden. She approached the roses and lilies Angela passed and admired them just as much. A picnic basket in tow, age showed on the picnic basket, slight damage but a sense of grace with it. They both stared at her, Angela intertwined her hand into Phil's.

Angela smiled, "There's our baby girl. punctual as usual." a slight sadness filling her voice.

Their daughter stared at the cherry blossom tree, a slight sadness glossed over her eyes. She approached and sat down in front of it alone. She sat there quietly for a few moments taking a deep but shaky breath. She opened the picnic basket and pulled out a family photo, Phil and Angela smiling while holding her. Their daughter began to sniffle as her emotions overflowed, tears fell onto the photo. She cried as she was the only one to carry their last name. Gathering herself, she set the photo down at the base of the tree.

One final deep breath, she looked down at the two stones next to each other, one read Phil and the other Angela. "Hi mom, hi dad. I know it's been awhile mom but..." her breath hitches as she tries to stifle her tears, "I- I miss you guys so much. It's been difficult to live without you guys, especially since dad's passing a month ago" she took a moment to pause and wipe her eyes, "I hope you guys are back together dad, I know it's been hard without her here for all those years." She smiles with another tear running down her cheek, "I know you guys are watching over me and I want you to know I'm gonna be okay... I promise."

End.